Interview: Plett local reaches top 40 Mr South Africa 2020 Contest
Plett local, Gavin Gainsford is no stranger to winning pageants and has been voted into the top 40, Mr South Africa 2020 Contest.
Formerly, Mr Plett/Knysna 2017 and Mr Garden Route 2018, Gavin Gainsford is excited to be running in this years’ Mr South Africa contest.
ShowMe Plett tracked him down to find out more about this budding ambassador:
SM: How would you best describe yourself?
G: My name is Gavin Patrick Gainsford, I am 25 years old and was born in Knysna. I am a very humble, down to earth person, with a gentle character.
SM: What was it like for you, growing up in SA?
G: I can’t complain because I’m a positive person and always end a sad story with a happy ending.
SM: What did you dream of becoming when you grew up?
G: I always wanted to become a chef, but due to unforeseen circumstances, this did not happen. I had to make sacrifices for my family and my single mother, so I quit my studies and started working.
SM: What have you achieved so far?
G: I began working at Markham’s and that is where the modeling bug bit me. Since then I have entered pageants and can proudly say I was crowned Mr Plett/Knysna 2017 and Mr Garden Route 2018.
SM: What led you to enter the Mr SA contest?
G: I have not had an easy life, as I was not raised by my biological parents. It would have been easy to give up on life, but I decided to choose a different route. This is mostly because of the woman who gave me all the love in the world. She taught me to have faith in myself and treat my elders and others with respect. I would like to be a positive role model for children who are in a difficult, or similar situation and give them hope.
SM: What does it take to become Mr SA?
G: It takes a lot of courage to step out of your comfort zone. You need to be committed and rise up to the challenge of being a leader.
SM: How do feel about the other contestants?
G: I view the other contestants as inspiring mentors in my life, as we learn something new from each other every day. I don’t see them as competition, because in each of us there is a winner. I’m just being myself and enjoying the journey.
SM: How has your journey progressed so far?
G: I’m so grateful for all my supporters, without them I wouldn’t have reached this far. I have gone from the top 100 to top 60, and now recently the top 40. I am positive that I will get my spot in the top 20 for the finals show
SM: What does winning this competition mean to you?
G: Feeling grateful would be an understatement – I would do anything to get this break. I would use the opportunity to provide for my family. They come from similar backgrounds like mine and I would love to light up their lives. But right now, I am just grateful for the supportive, unbreakable bond, I have with my biological mother.
SM: Do you feel you have what it takes to carry the crown?
G: Yes definitely, winning this competition will give me the faith to take on many new challenges. I have already shown that I have what it takes, as I have taken the first step and entered. I am a young local boy taking a big step in life. I do not have degrees, but I have the heart to help those in need. I realised that I didn’t want my past to snatch away my dreams. Anything is possible and I want to set an example for future South Africans.
SM: Do you have any advice for those who will follow in your footsteps?
G: Enjoy the journey that you take on in life. Don’t let your competitors make you feel inadequate. Hard work does pay off! Believe in yourself as you are unique and a superstar! Let your light shine over those who feel like giving up on life and remember every day is a blessing.
To find out more about Gavin and his journey follow him on Facebook.
To vote for him SMS: MRSA22 TO 40439